Fast And Easy Advice For Coming Out To Parents

Are you ready to come out to your parents? Here are some tips to keep in mind before you come out.

1. Make Sure You Come Out On Your Terms

A decision to come out is very important. It is not to be taken lightly. Make sure that you come out on your own terms and not pushed to come out when you are not ready.

Pick your time and place when you are absolutely ready, calm and collected. Do not come out during an argument or when things may not be stable between you and your parents. This may cause more unnecessary drama and their reaction may be completely different if they are already stressed.

2. Not All Parents May Understand

Although a lot of parents completely understand and embrace their children when they come out, some do not. Some parents may have preconceived notions about what being gay means and many do not even understand other sexual orientations such as bisexual, pansexual, queer, etc.

Do not argue with them if they are angry. When they are calm, show them some information about your sexual orientation, so they can learn more about it. For many parents, time is the key to acceptance.

3. Research Your Identity

Before coming out, learn more about your identity. Sure, labels can be too much, but in the beginning when you are trying to learn more about yourself, labels can help to find people of like-mind, groups to share experiences with, and in general understand who we really are.

Understanding yourself fully, will help you explain it to your parents. If you do not understand who you are, how can you expect them to?

4. Stay Positive

No matter what the outcome of your conversation is, do not get down on yourself. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, queer, or even questioning is not your fault. The fact that you are willing to tell people and show people who you really are is an amazing step toward being free.

With time, people will accept you (some will simply ignore it.) It is very likely that you will start meeting people who love you for who you are because you will be yourself right away at the relationship of a relationship or friendship.